After volunteering these past few months, I found that for Texans living paycheck to paycheck, tax season can be either a big delight or a huge disappointment, depending on whether they received a refund or owed taxes. I also discovered that no matter the outcome, filing a tax return felt cumbersome to them. However, I always made sure to remind them that income taxes are essential to the functioning of our country. From providing financial aid to college students to ensuring the quality of our food, taxes help our leaders invest in services from which we all benefit.

I interacted with individuals from all walks of life, from college students to retirees and everyone in between. Navigating the tax code and applying it to their life situations was very rewarding if they realized that they had overpaid taxes and would receive a refund. That extra income could go towards paying down debt, buying assets, or putting more money in their savings account. Or, that money would go towards purchasing goods and services that will help grow our economy.

Overall, Tax Day reminds me of the value of service. Whether you serve your community through volunteering or serve your community by paying taxes – our community is a better place because of both. Not only is Tax Day a deadline, but more importantly, it is a time to celebrate what made this country great: public investments that ensure all hardworking individuals can lead safe, financially secure, and healthy lives.

At the Center for Public Policy Priorities, we believe in a Texas that offers everyone the chance to compete and succeed in life. We envision a Texas where everyone is healthy, well-educated, and financially secure. We want the best Texas - a proud state that sets the bar nationally by expanding opportunity for all.
CPPP is an independent public policy organization that uses data and analysis to advocate for solutions that enable Texans of all backgrounds
to reach their full potential. We dare Texas to be the best state for
hard-working people and their families.